Early voting in West Virginia begins

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Early voting in this year’s primary election began Wednesday across West Virginia.

Wednesday marked 13 days until the May 8 primary election, in which voters will decide on matters including this year’s candidates in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, state Legislature and local government races.

“Most counties have early voting at their courthouse or where their county clerks office is,” said Donald Kersey, director and deputy counsel for the Secretary of State’s Office Elections Division. “Some counties have satellite precincts where they have community voting locations.”

Beginning this year, anyone who is interested in voting will have to bring a form of identification to their polling location. Acceptable forms of identification include government-issued identification — such as a driver’s license, military ID card, birth certificate or hunting license — as well as credit cards, utility bills and bank statement issued within six months of the election, and health insurance card.

Kersey said there are a few exceptions you do not have a form of identification, including if you know the poll workers personally, can provide a signed statement by an adult who can confirm the identification of the voter or are associated directly with West Virginia state care facilities being used as polling places.